MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 1000 Tuesday
 

The Snapshot: The Cascade Mountains and most for interior will stay dry today with high clouds. Clear and sunnier tomorrow.

 

The Science: A weak system tracking south along the Washington coast will maintain high cirrus clouds over the PNW for today.  The skies will begin to clear tonight as the pressure increases over the inland NW.  This pattern will continue through early Friday morning.

 

4-7day Long Range:  The next system of interest enters the scene on Friday.  GFS and NAM models have a low pressure system developing off of the BC coast and tracking south into Washington over the weekend.  As of now, light precipitation begins midday on Friday with freezing levels between 4000’ and 5000’ (rain).  The precipitation intensifies on Saturday with freezing levels falling to around 4000’.   A strong cold front pushes in late Saturday night with lowering freezing levels and snow for Sunday and Monday.  All these details will likely change since it is still 4-7 days out.   Snow dancing will help.    

Precipitation:   Water by 4am = 0 Snow equivalent = 0   Total inches of water by noon tomorrow =0 Total inches of snow by noon tomorrow = 0   Trends and Timing:   Dry conditions will continue through early Friday morning.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:                                       Low: 30    High: 40 Freezing level: +-5000’   Trend and Timing:      Freezing levels will continue to hover right around the 5000’ level through early Friday morning. Clear skies and chilly air trapped in the eastern basin will allow early morning temperatures to drop below freezing.

Winds:   Base: 0-5 E Ridge Top: 0-10 E   Trend and Timing: East flow will continue through Thursday.